NBA Draft

Scouting Report

Pasecniks has had the attention of NBA scouts ever since he earned all-tournament honors at the 2013 European Under-18 Championship, where he played alongside future No. 4 overall pick Kristaps Porzingis for a Latvia team that reached the semifinals. However, it wasn't until this past year that the intriguing center firmly established himself as a possible late first-round choice by emerging as one of the most improved players in Europe's top basketball league, Spain's Liga ACB. He's blossomed into a highly efficient offensive force off the bench in his second season for Gran Canaria, shooting over 65 percent from the field and showing range beyond the 3-point line to earn a spot on the league's All-Young Players Team. Pasecniks has always had a soft touch and very good mobility for a big man, but he's become a better finisher, particularly in the pick-and-roll game, as his now 220-pound frame has started to fill out. Yet, despite his obvious progress and somewhat advanced age and experience level, Pasecniks may benefit from another season overseas to work on the less-developed aspects of his game that may ultimately determine his NBA future. He's still a suspect free-throw shooter and passer as well as a poor rebounder for a man of his size. He also needs to become more aware of switches and screens to fully realize his potential on the defensive end. Pasecniks still has one more year on his contract with Gran Canaria, so teams could view him as a promising stash player and a roster candidate for 2018-19.